May 2007 Archives

Story 1

A couple weeks ago I happened to be around for school pickup and so I volunteered to go get the kids. I was chatting with a couple of the moms I know when the kids came out. They were excited to see me as I very rarely pick them up - both were pretty animated as they ran over to see me.

At this one of the moms turned to the other and muttered, not quite under her breath and not without a small amount of disdain:

"Oh look, the rock star is here today"

What could I say? I just smiled and shrugged.

Story 2

Last weekend my daughter's Brownie troop participated in the local Browniolympics. I was helping with the obstacle course, which finished with a sack race segment. I overheard one of the "coach" dads giving his girls tips on how to get a good time on the course - his main point was that speed in the transitions would translate into a good time. I bet it will be the only time he ever says this to his daughter, though:

"Okay, girls, the trick is to hop into the sack as fast as you can."

I just about came unglued laughing at that. He saw me laughing and then realized what he said and started laughing too. Good stuff.

It all started so simply - an off-the-cuff remark by my wife:

"We should think about replacing this carpet. It's held up well but it's starting to wear."

Of course she was right and I agreed with her. After several more logical, well-reasoned conversations here is the list of work we are in the midst of:

Replace the sliding glass door with a window and a normal swinging door
Install new windows in the family room/living room/kitchen
Install casework around new windows
Install can lights in family room ceiling
Replace can lights in kitchen
Remove can lights in eating area of kitchen, replace with hanging lamp
Install accent lighting in existing alcoves
Install in-wall surround speakers and cabling (*)
Install AV cabling and power for new TV (*)
Install framing to support wall mount for new TV (*)
Buy new home electronics - amp, TV, etc (*)
Buy new refrigerator (!)
Remove/replace two fireplace mantels and tile surrounds
Remove chair rail and bead board from dining room
Remove entertainment niche
Install new baseboards
Install new casework and doors in all downstairs interior doorways
Install new cabinetry
Repaint downstairs of house (including ceiling) (some exceptions, not every room is being repainted)
Install new window treatments in new windows

Oh, and lest I forget - replace all the flooring downstairs. (again, with some small exceptions)

I am convinced that my wife threw in the (*) items above to get me on-board with the rest of the project. Hey - works for me!

This is the greatest sports headline of 2007, possibly evar.

"Royals To Get A Taste Of Angels' Colon"

(thanks to the guys at Fire Joe Morgan for the heads-up)

That's right, folks - today I turn 40. Woot!

To sum up the last forty years in one pithy quote, I'll turn to Westley/Dread Pirate Roberts:

"I myself am often surprised by life's little quirks."

Okay people. You know I love dark chocolate. You probably know I love Snickers.

So I ask you - how is it that Snickers Dark candy bars have been available for months and I'm just now finding out about it?

We're having some work done on our house this week - replacing windows, adding some lighting and other stuff.

Katy works out of the house, she has been around for most of the time. The other day she closed her office door to block some of the noise while she took a phone call. She came out an hour or so later while the contractor was in conversation with the site lead. Here's the ensuing conversation:

Site Lead (to contractor): Well I don't know where the hell she wants this stuff!

Katy: Just ask me, and I'll tell you where the hell to put it.

Whoops! Don't mess with the redhead.